Local News

Andre’ Gauche of Myoli Beach Lodge in Sedgefield recently attended the IBTM CHINA EXPO – 23 & 24 AUGUST, 2017 in Beijing as an exhibitor along with Sun International, The City of Tswane, The South African National Convention Bureau, Northern Cape Tourism Authority and the Durban Convention Centre .

Andre’ was part of an incentive programme organised by SA Tourism to promote incentives, business travel and general tourism packages for the Chinese market.

Andre’ summarised his experience as follows:

Assessment Summary:

China is a challenging market as it’s a long-haul destination and air travel is reasonable expensive

Most buyers interested in Africa, and more specifically South Africa, are still testing the market. Language is obviously a major barrier.

An important component of the expo is the quality of the follow-up with the various buyers that did show an interest in the South African experience

Most buyers require confirmation of the product/s offered as many have not been to South Africa

It is evident that long term business relationships are important in this market. This can only realistically be achieved over a period of time with pro-active participation from both parties.

Undoubtedly the Chinese market offers massive potential for incoming tourists to South Africa but a stable base needs to be established where sectors of the market are geared to receive and effectively accommodate these tourists. Sun City is a case in point where Sun International pro-actively promotes to and makes provision to accommodate this market. The Chinese market also has no shortage of well-heeled travellers who primarily aim for 4 star + accommodation establishments.

Group bookings, corporate incentives, conferences and business travel are largely the norm.

Issues Arising

Security. There are certain concerns over visitor security to South Africa. There is obviously considerable negative press regarding crime and personal safety issues.

2. Logistics. Flight programmes, distances and locations. Ideally a China based tour organiser/operator with knowledge of the South African market needs to work in conjunction with local operators or organisers. They need to know up-front exactly where they are going, where they are staying, what they are doing and at what cost.

Language and cultural barriers. There is a definite requirement for a Chinese-speaking interpreter/guide to either accompany Chinese groups or must be made available locally.

It’s a special needs market and consideration must be given to food & beverage preferences and other specific needs.

The Knysna Timber Festival 2017 will go ahead as planned from 29 September to 1 October – and it’ll take place as usual at its traditional venue at Timber Village, despite the fact that Timber Village was burned to the ground during the town’s recent devastating fires.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development recalling the potential of tourism to advance the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

South African Tourism Internal and Corporate Communications Manager, Mpho Mfenyana, and Darryl Erasmus, Chief Quality Assurance Officer were in Knysna last week at the invitation of the Benguela Collection who hosted a two-day launch of Benguela Cove wines at Lakeside Lodge and Spa in Sedgefield.

SANParks scientists and civil society research groups have cautioned against feeding wild animals. This comes after volunteer groups had dropped vegetables and seeds for animals to eat in the national park and surrounds. This week, authorities detailed reasons for discouraging the feeding of animals in burnt areas.

Local Green Chef Melven Mene, winner of this year’s Knysna Oyster Festival event, Flavours of Knysna, has used his prize money of R10,000 as part payment on a car. The second hand Toyota Corolla, will help Chef Mene expand his business, Usatsho Tshisanyama & Catering.

July 23rd marks the birthday (or what is referred to as the ‘earth day’) of the Rastafarian’s spiritual messiah, His Majesty Haile Selassie I. The annual Earth Festival, which takes place from the 22nd to 30th July 2017, honours this special date on their religious calender and is a joyous and colourful celebration of this fascinating and vibrant Knysna community. It also serves as a platform for these residents to openly share with others the traditions and roots of their faith.

We are thrilled with the attendance numbers at the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival this year, particularly in light of the devastating Knysna fire which started on 7 June, just one month before the festival opened. The fire did not discourage our visitors who flocked in their thousands to support Knysna, the festival events and local businesses.

It was a trail running experience none of the 600 participating athletes will ever forget. The 4km of pristine unspoilt beach between the villages of Buffalo Bay and Brenton on Sea are one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world and it was never more spectacularly displayed than it was on Tuesday morning as the assembled participants gazed out across the beautiful blue waters of the bay and tried to envisage the scene of terror from just 34 days earlier.

Join Doodlebugs on Friday, 28 July 2017 @ 17:00 for a family fun run/Walk. Hot soup and drinks as well as glow in the dark goodies & face paint on sale. R50 Adults & R35 kids.

For more information contact: 084 548 4118

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Knysna Plett Concert presents a benefit concert on Monday, 31 July 2017 with Bryan Wallick on the piano playing composers like Bach, Brahms & Liszt. R120 – Adults / R30 – Kids. Show starts at 19:30. Tickets available at the door from 18:45

This week has been busy for the staff of Knysna Tourism. While our front office staff are assisting the public with queries about accommodation for the Knysna Oyster Festival and in the longer term, our marketing team has been focussing on getting the message out to world that Knysna is open for business. In this newsletter, read the story behind our logo, #VisitKnysna #KnysnaRises, which was designed for us pro bono by local advertising creative Dominic Morel.

We have had fantastic support from Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa, Minister Alan Winde from the Ministry of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism of the Western Cape, and Sisa Ntshona CEO of South African Tourism, who will all help us to ensure that our message reaches international travel agents, tour operators and media. We are also taking advantage of the presence of local media in our town to get the message out to South Africans.

The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is on track and one of the highlights will be The Pick n Pay Seafood Wednesday, which brings together the best Knysna has to offer in one venue. From fresh seafood to wine and beer tastings, fish braais and music, there will be something for the whole family.

There was much excitement earlier in the week when 50 Qhubeka bicycles as well as handmade blankets, scarves and beanies arrived in Knysna to assist with relief efforts following the devastating fires. Read about this wonderful initiative for our local community.

Please ensure that you complete The Business Disaster Register for Knysna residents that is being sent out by Knysna Municipality so that they can assess the amount of damage done by the fires, including job losses and total loss to the economy.

On Thursday Knysna Tourism launched the #KnysnaRises logo which shows the Knysna loerie/ turaco rising like a phoenix from the “flames” and was inspired by the message that Knysna is rising, it is not destroyed, as many people believe, but is open for business and welcoming visitors.

With the fire disaster hitting Knysna on the 7th of June there has been a lot of concern about the future of tourism and its impact on the economy and in particular job losses because of accommodation establishments and other businesses which have gone up in flames.

There was much excitement earlier in the week when 50 Qhubeka bicycles as well as handmade blankets, scarves and beanies arrived in Knysna to assist with relief efforts following the devastating fires.

It has always been known that Sedgefielders pull together in a crisis – but in the last week the community more than outdid themselves, with hundreds of local volunteers building up a phenomenal effort to support fire crews, house evacuees and provide for those who have lost homes and possessions.

The highly-anticipated Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival takes place from 7 to 16 July 2017. The variety of events makes it a fabulous holiday for sports fans, families and anyone looking for the best 10 days of their winter. As part of the Festival, The Pick n Pay Seafood Wednesday brings together the best Knysna has to offer in one venue. From fresh seafood to wine and beer tastings, fish braais and music, there will be something for the whole family.

There is a local group of riders in Knysna, who have been blazing trails for the past 30 years. These pioneers of our cycling world inspired routes in our area, like the red route and other routes in Harkerville. Robbie Powell and Dr Evil himself, Leon Evans, broke the cycling yolk and inspired these routes with SANParks.

For the first time ever there will be a Body, Mind and Spirit week of workshops included in the Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival 2017. These will be amazing workshops presented by world class facilitators covering all aspects of holistic wellness. Never before has Knysna been able to experience such an exciting array of top class workshops and a limited number of private sessions all in one week!

Southern right whales have come into Knysna waters, the earliest in five years for this time of the year. Ocean Odyssey’s Evelyn Pepler said she was very excited to report, on May 19, that 12 of these giant mammals had been sighted in local waters in the last week.

All the buzz words and hashtags associated with fresh organic food and healthy eating are ticked off at the The Organic Market Bistro, situated in the Metelerkamp building off Waterfront Drive. Adelheid Schmidt and her team, started the project in 2012. From Germany, Adelheid ran a similar operation there before making the commitment to transfer the concept to Knysna, however a key difference here that the Knysna operation makes use of an imported cold stone grain mill.

The 8th Annual BIG5 Challenge is fast approaching and the competition for podium spots is heating up with the likes of Bradley Weiss, Davide Del Fante, Dean Hopf and Theo Blignaut fighting it out over five events during the ten days of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival between 7 and 16 July.

The role of communities in tourism in South Africa is strongly emphasised in a series of national policies and instruments that were established over the past two decades. For example, the 1996 White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism Development in South Africa stressed that communities were expected to play a vital role in tourism development. The ground-breaking policy called on communities to identify potential tourism resources and attractions, to use them as a basis for exploring tourism development opportunities, and to seek partnership opportunities with the private sector, while supporting and promoting responsible tourism and sustainable development.

The Featherbed Company is bracing itself for an outbreak of Trail Running Fever as trail fanatics from across the country scramble for entries into one of South Africa’s most popular medium distance trail running events – the Featherbed Trail Run which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. The family friendly event is the trail running event of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival and is as famous for its festive atmosphere combined with the famous Ferry Ride across the Knysna Estuary as it is for its spectacular course.

Butterfly Blu is perched on a dune top with beautiful panoramic sea views making it one of the most idyllic restaurants in Knysna with beautiful food, an outdoor/indoor deck, lounge areas, cocktail bar, and a contemporary interior. Directly below the restaurant is beautiful stretch of white sandy beach and rolling dunes covered with lush fynbos for which this part of the world is so famous. The setting is perfect to enjoy a rosy sunset after a stroll on the beach.

To all friends and neighbours of the Brenton Blue butterfly – welcome to your latest newsletter! Your management committee (MC) includes representatives from CapeNature, WESSA, EWT, LepSoc, the Knysna Municipality (KM) and the local residents.

Living Jewels – #KnysnaMade

The Living Jewels project has given Sabine Woodward a new lease on life and it is all for a brilliant cause!
Sabine Woodward has been a resident of Knysna for going on 30 years and for most of that time she ran Emma Jayne Interiors, one of Knysna’s original and most successful interior design companies. She sold it several years ago and now dedicates her time towards worthy causes.

Bowls – #1Sport4Life

The 2017 All Cape Tournament hosted by Eden Bowls is just around the corner (Women’s Event: 23-29 April/ Men’s Event: 30 April- 6 May) during which time we will see some of the region’s best bowlers battling it out on the manicured greens of bowling clubs throughout the Eden District. The eastern zone comprises clubs like Sedgefield, Knysna, Leisure Isle and Plettenberg Bay. The western zone will be Great Brak, Vista (Little Brak), Hartenbos and Mossel Bay. George and Outeniqua will be utilized either west or east, depending on the number of entries per zone.

Slow Route #FoodJourney at Benguela Brasserie

This week’s Slow Route Food Journey takes us to Benguela Brasserie & Restaurant at Lakeside Lodge, situated on the reed-fringed banks of the Swartvlei Lake, just a few kilometres from the Slow Town of Sedgefield. The view alone sets it apart from many other restaurants in the area, but aside from that, they recognise and implement many of the slow food principles which we are seeking to promote on this culinary journey. Their mouth-watering bill of fare is inspired by the seasonality and availability of locally produced ingredients.

Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour celebrates 30 years

The Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year and the Knysna Rotary organising committee will mark the occasion with the introduction of a number of new routes and races. The Knysna Cycle Tour has grown enormously since its inception in 1987 and now comprises four popular events which will take place on 8 and 9 July, the first weekend of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival: MTB events, road races, the SPUR Children’s Tour, and the Forest Family Dam Ride.

Knysna International Guitar Night

Seen as the precursor to the full-fledged international guitar festival 2018, the first ever Knysna International Guitar Night taking place at the Montessori School in Knysna on the 31st March features the extraordinary percussive guitarist Thomas Leeb who is Austrian but now hails from California USA.

The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb continues to grow in stature, having received its second consecutive nomination for the prized Discovery Sport Industry Awards, and being included in two categories for the first time. The Official Shortlist for the 2017 awards covers 17 categories that recognise the very best in the business of sport, comprising everything from events to activations, sponsorships and communications. It truly represents the epitome of excellence for the industry.

EVENTS & MARKETS

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Catch SAFF live at Blend Restaurant on Friday, 03 March from 8pm – 11pm & on Sunday, 05 March Deja Vu will entertain you from 1pm – 4pm

For more information contact: 044 384 0493

BAZAAR

Come enjoy the Vermont Bazaar on 29 April 2017 from 9am – 2pm at Vermont centre in Hornlee. There will be something for young and old to enjoy.

For more info contact: 044 385 0593

GOLF FUNDRAISER

Vermont Old Age Home is calling all golfers to join them for a Golf Day at Knysna Golf Club on 11 March 2017 to raise funds. Book your 4 Ball now.

For more info contact: 044 385 0593/044 384 1150

FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET

Don’t miss the Friday Night Market this Friday from 4pm – 8pm for some good local food, entertainment, stalls or just good company. Follow the scarecrows up Welbedach Lane.

WILD OATS MARKET

Don’t miss the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market blending people from diverse backgrounds, uniting urban and rural in a mix, every Saturday from 07:30 – 12pm.

For more info contact: 044 883 1177

HARKERVILLE MARKET

Join the rural and rustic, but vibey and vital Harkerville Market it’s definitely all you could ever hope for in a typical South African Saturday Market. Saturdays 8am – 12pm.

For more info contact: 084 510 9939

SPECIALS

Don’t miss out on a 3 course SUNDAY LUNCH at Leeuwensbosch Farm Stall at only R95 pp.

For more information call: Gerhard/Jane on 044 386 0116

Have you heard of Monday massage madness at our Spa? Get the massage you’ve been putting out for a while. 20% off our massages is more than enough reason to treat yourself to a Monday pamper session.
Call: 044 343 1844 to make your booking.

Experience the Rheenendal country-side at Totties Farm Kitchen with an unforgettable @ R195pp on Sunday & Live Music on Sat & Sun.

Kilzers Kitchen Cook n Look Evenings are indeed a unique experience. The busy and extremely well equipped kitchen becomes centre stage for around 70 guests who get to watch a magnificent 3 course meal being prepared by chefs Albin and Jenny together with their professional kitchen personnel.

Sanlam Private Wealth joins Knysna Motor Show as naming sponsor

The organisers of the Knysna Motor Show have announced that Sanlam Private Wealth has come on board as the show’s naming sponsor for 2017. The Sanlam Private Wealth Knysna Motor Show will take place on Sunday, 30 April, 2017.

DarkFEST – Week2 Building

The 2nd week of building at DarkFEST is seeing massive progress, despite a bit of rain the jumps are almost done. A few measurements and tweaks and they’re ready for testing! The end of last week saw the birth of a 82ft long and low that goes over the berm leading to the step up. Nico was on duty on that right line and spent the week dialing it in and making another slightly shorter set up jump for a massive booter at the bottom.

A Slow Route #FoodJourney – 2nd Edition

For the first blog of our Slow Route Food Journey, we paid a visit to” Green Road “(situated next to the Mosaic market in Sedgefield) which serves as a non-profit central hub for a wide range of healthy, free- range, organic and organic-in-conversion produce. Everything they do at this humble food fare gem is guided by the fundamental principles of the Slow Food movement and truly epitomises that which we are seeking to explore and promote on this journey.

Forest Therapy @ Diepwalle

More than thirty years ago the Japanese coined a poignant phrase to explain the sense of well- being one experiences when spending time in the heart of a forest. It’s called shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing”. Based on ancient Buddhist practises, the philosophy is quite simple: go to a forest, walk slowly, breathe and open all your senses. There is mounting scientific data on the health benefits of spending time under the canopy of a living forest. It is the best medicine for the mind, body and the soul.

2017 Tortoise Tuff

The 20th Tortoise Tuff (takes place on Saturday, 11 March 2017 and for the 7th year the host club, Sedgefield Striders, are offering four races: 10km | Run and Walk / 21km | Trail Run / 30km | Run and Walk / 2,5km | Fun Run

And We’re Off for Slow Festival number EIGHT!

The Organising Committee are delighted to announce that the town will indeed once again be turning Orange over Easter, with the eighth annual Slow Festival inviting and encouraging locals, visitors and tourists alike to celebrate “Family Fun The Way It’s Meant To Be” in our beautiful seaside town! So diarise the dates 14-16 April and start planning/training for all your entries into all those events that you so enjoyed last year and perhaps a few more!

Nikki Jones is passionate about Sedgefield. She is also a keen crafter who devotes much of her free time to sewing, knitting or crocheting a wide range of unique items from children’s soft toys to sewing accessory bags. She first started crafting when she was still living in her native Zimbabwe. After the birth of her twins she decided to become a stay at home mom and started crafting as a way to supplement the family’s income. It wasn’t very long before she had a thriving home industry and at one point she had seven women working for her.

Greater Knysna’s Buffels Bay and Brenton-on-Sea beaches are amongst the 58 South African Blue Flags that are proudly flying at coastal sites across South Africa for this South African Blue Flag season. These beaches received their Blue Flag status because they met an international standard of excellence in the areas of safety, amenities, cleanliness, environmental information and environmental management.

Before I met with Johnny Snyman of Heartwood Bows, I scanned his website in the hopes of gaining a little insight into his unique craft. To be honest, I know very little about archery, but I do recall as a young child being wide-eyed and enthralled by the Native Americans in the TV series Bonanza and the way they could shoot an arrow whilst moving at high speed on horseback.

Summer is in full swing and over the next couple of months, Knysna & Partners will be highlighting many of the varied activities which can be enjoyed over the season throughout the Greater Knysna, from wild adrenaline-fuelling pursuits to milder, more relaxing options.

Eighteen families recently lost everything in a dreadful fire in Witlokasie. The Knysna Municipality is in the process of providing replacement homes for these victims. In the meantime Greater Knysna residents are and have shown their compassion by donating much needed items to the victims.

It appears the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Sedgefield! A couple of weeks back, the Sedgefield branch of Knysna & Partners, in association with local NGO Masithandane, sent out an appeal to locals to open their hearts and pledge a Christmas package for several vulnerable children in our community who have experienced particularly difficult times during 2016. The community responded in typical fashion and amazing care packages poured in from many generous members of the public.

StreetSmart SA, an organisation dedicated to helping street children rebuild their lives through donations from restaurants in the Western Cape, Garden Route and Gauteng, has handed over R50 000 to their Knysna beneficiary, Sinethemba Projects, for 2017. This is part of an allocation of over R1 million raised nationally for the third consecutive year by StreetSmart SA for beneficiaries in the various regions.

The ocean is dynamic and often unpredictable by nature so caution needs to be exercised at all times. Below is a list of things to keep in mind when enjoying the ocean environment in our beautiful area:

Knysna SPLASH, the annual festival presented by the Rotary Club of Knysna, will be back on 27 & 28 December 2016 with four fun-filled events for the whole family. Four exciting events provide enjoyment for both participants and spectators and challenges for the whole family!

Elalini Backpackers presents a New Years bash for the whole family on 31 Dec starting with an open mic session from 6pm & Live performance by Jonty Hendrix from 8pm. R50 gets you in incl. Welcoming drinks. Bring your own xyz & braai.

For more information contact: 044 383 0005

FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET

Don’t miss the Friday Night Market this Friday from 4pm – 8pm for some good local food, entertainment, stalls or just good company. Follow the scarecrows up Welbedach Lane.

WILD OATS MARKET

Don’t miss the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market blending people from diverse backgrounds, uniting urban and rural in a mix, every Saturday from 07:30 – 12pm.

For more info contact: 044 883 1177

HARKERVILLE MARKET

Join the rural and rustic, but vibey and vital Harkerville Market it’s definitely all you could ever hope for in a typical South African Saturday Market. Saturdays 8am – 12pm.